Plant Exterior Simulator

ABSTRACT

A plant exterior simulating assembly that covers an artificial holiday tree to create a realistic visual appearance and a tactility of a real tree. The assembly functions to conceal an unsightly core portion including, tree trunks, poles, bases, stands, metal cores, lighting cords, and electrical wiring. A cylinder-shaped molding engages the core portion by contouring the core portion to provide a snug fit. The molding includes an axially extending, generally inwardly directed slit that passes through a portion of the diameter of the molding, sufficient for allowing the molding portion to fully cover the core member. An exterior portion contours the exterior surface area of the molding. The exterior can include a plethora of natural configurations including, tree bark, leaves, buds, fruit, nuts, water droplets, sap, insects, and flower petals. However, holiday themes, artisitic designs, or artificial configurations are also possible for the exterior visuals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/572,869 filed on Jul. 25, 2011 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to artificial holiday trees. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to artificial trunks and branches for holiday trees.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a tree is a woody plant material that often has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or trunk with clear apical dominance.

Typically, a holiday tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as pine or fir, traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas. An artificial holiday tree is an object made to resemble such a tree, usually made from polyvinyl chloride.

Typically, decorative artificial trees are common among household and commercial displays during the holidays. Many of these artificial trees contain metal cores that simulate trunks and stems. In addition, electrical lights are often used in these applications leaving lighting and electrical cords visible.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary plant exterior simulating assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the exemplary plant exterior simulating assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the exemplary plant exterior simulating assembly positioned over a core portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced; reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of plant exterior simulating assemblies 100 that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, without limitation, the plant exterior simulating assembly 100 may provide an exterior portion 102 that encapsulates an artificial holiday tree to create a realistic visual appearance and a tactility of a real tree. The exterior portion may include a plethora of natural configurations including, without limitation, tree bark, leaves, buds, fruit, nuts, water droplets, sap, insects, and flower petals. However, in other embodiments, holiday themes, artisitic designs, or artificial configurations may be included.

In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may also conceal at least one unsightly core portion 300, including, without limitation, poles, bases, stands, metal cores, lighting cords, and electrical wiring. In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may include a cylinder-shaped molding portion 108 for engaging the core portion. The molding portion may contour the core portion to provide a snug fit. In some embodiments, the molding portion may be configured to receive an axially extending, generally inwardly directed slit 110. The slit may be configured to allow the core portion to at least partially pass through a radius length of the molding portion. In some embodiments, the exterior portion may contour the exterior surface area of the molding portion. The exterior portion may include a mounting surface 200 for engaging the molding portion. The mounting surface may be fabricated from a material suitable for securely joining with the molding portion. A visible surface 202 forms the exterior, visible portion of the plant exterior simulating assembly. In some embodiments of the present invention, the visible portion may include an exterior design 114 for providing a realistic visual appearance and tactility of a tree bark.

FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary plant exterior simulating assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may provide a visual and tactile representation of tree bark, and wrap substantially around holiday tree trunk supporting branches. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the holiday tree may be utilized for a variety of holidays and events, including, without limitation, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Arbor Day to name a few. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the exterior design may comprise a tree bark imitation that may also correlate to the type of leaves or pines positioned on the artificial holiday tree. In some embodiments, the tree bark may include a texture and color that replicates a variety of trees commonly utilized for holidays including, evergreen conifers, pine trees, aspens, birch trees, fir trees, and the like. However, in one alternative embodiment, the exterior design may include tree barks from nontraditional holiday trees, including, without limitation, palm trees, cedar trees, pear trees, and the like. In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may be approximately 16″ high and may be configured in a cylinder shape. In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may be approximately 5″ wide with a 2″ circular opening that positions around the core portion. However, other embodiments of the plant exterior simulating assembly may include various heights, shapes, and dimensions. In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may adjust in height and width to accommodate varying tree sizes. The plant exterior simulating assembly may include a realistic looking textured artificial tree bark exterior. Suitable materials for fabrication may include, without limitation, resins, foam, plastics, recycled materials, decals, or any other similar flexible material that incorporates a manufacturing processes to accomplish the end result of a tree bark exterior. In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plant exterior simulating assembly may be configured for smaller trees and plants, including, without limitation, a bush, a house plant, a flower, and a vegetable.

In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may provide functional enhancements to the tree, including, without limitation, rigidity to the branches of the tree for preventing sagging branches. The plant exterior simulating assembly may form an exterior molding that provides support for wilting or weak branches. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that adding decorations to the branches may cause the branches to droop. The extra support provided by the plant exterior simulating assembly may create a more enhanced visual effect for the positioning and orientation of the decorations on the branches as well as providing additional room underneath the display.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the exemplary plant exterior simulating assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the molding portion may contour the exterior surface of at least one unsightly core portion of the artificial holiday tree, including, without limitation, poles, bases, metal cores, lighting cords, and electrical wiring. In some embodiments, the molding portion may include a flexible, stabilizing foam core with a hollowed cavity sufficiently dimensioned to conceal the core portion. However, other suitable materials for fabricating the molding portion may include, without limitation, Styrofoam, silicone, mulch, plastic, recycled materials, or aluminum. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that the molding portion may provide insulation, water resistance, and fire proof characteristics for the artificial tree. The molding portion may contour the core portion to provide a snug fit. In an alternate embodiment, the molding portion may be configured to receive an axially extending, generally inwardly directed slit. The slit may be configured to allow the core portion to at least partially pass through a radius length of the molding portion. In some embodiments, the slit fastens around the tree with a multiplicity of fasteners, including without limitation, Velcro, zippers, snap-buttons, adhesives, rope, twine, laces and pins. In some embodiments, the molding portion adjusts to fit various sizes and dimensions of the core portions. In one alternative embodiment, the plant exterior simulating assembly includes two separate portions that unite around the trunk or the branch of the tree, whereby the slit is not included.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the exterior portion may engage the molding portion with a mounting surface. The mounting surface may include means for securely and snugly joining with the molding portion, including, without limitation, Velcro, adhesive, snap-buttons, tape, rope, twine, laces, and magnets. The visible surface may overlay the mounting surface, and may be visible on the visible exterior of the plant exterior simulating assembly. The visible surface may include an exterior design for providing a realistic visual appearance and tactility of a tree bark. The exterior design may join the mounting surface with various means, including, without limitation, Velcro, adhesive, snap-buttons, tape, rope, twine, laces, and magnets. In some embodiments, the exterior design may include a texture and color that replicates a variety of trees commonly utilized for holidays including, evergreen conifers, pine trees, aspens, birch trees, fir trees, and the like. In some embodiments, the exterior design may include indicia, including, without limitation, graphics, logos, text, and shapes. The exterior design may include realistic tree bark that peels like a real tree. In another embodiment, the exterior design may include electrical components including, without limitation, lighting, pressure sensitive audio capabilities, laser sensors, and video displays. In another embodiments, other techniques for simulating a more realistic tree experience may be included as well; for example, without limitation, a pine scent releasing mechanism may be included, which may be triggered by detection of proximal motion by a motion detector configured with the tree's electrical system. For example, without limitation, when a gift is placed underneath the tree, the laser sensor detects the motion and triggers an audio device positioned in the molding portion to play a holiday song.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plant exterior simulating assembly may be utilized with real trees, and the exterior portion may include a pest inhibiting composition or device, including, without limitation, insecticide, audio device for repelling pests, and an adhesive for trapping pests. The exterior portion may also provide protection to the real tree from natural elements, including, without limitation, sun, wind, snow, and ice. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the mounting surface may include a medication efficacious for treating and resisting diseases and fungus.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the exemplary plant exterior simulating assembly positioned over a core portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the artificial holiday tree may conceal at least one unsightly core portion, including, without limitation, poles, bases, metal cores, lighting cords, and electrical wiring. In some embodiments, the plant exterior simulating assembly may include a cylinder-shaped molding portion for engaging the core portion. The molding portion may contour the core portion to provide a snug fit. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that one chief function of the holidays may include decorative and festive aesthetics for entertaining children and guests. Artificial holiday trees may include unsightly components that are inconsistent with this goal. The artificial holiday tree may be enhanced with the visual and tactile effects of the plant exterior simulating assembly. In one alternative embodiment, the plant exterior simulating assembly may include sufficient rigidity to serve as a base or a stand for a tree. In this embodiment, the perimeter of the plant exterior simulating assembly may include a multiplicity of feet that extend outwardly to provide a solid foundation.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plant exterior simulating assembly may include a scent associated with the holidays, including, without limitation, pine, forest, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another embodiment of the present invention, the exterior design may be detachable, and various colors, textures, and indicia may be interchangeably placed around the exterior portion.

All the features or embodiment components disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features or components serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, or similar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providing a similar function by virtue of their having known suitable properties for the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent, or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled in the art without requiring undue experimentation.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing an exterior portion for an artificial holiday tree that creates realistic visual appearance and tactility for the trunk and branches of an artificial holiday tree according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the exterior portion for an artificial holiday tree that creates realistic visual appearance and tactility for the trunk and branches of an artificial holiday tree may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the exterior portion for an artificial holiday tree that creates realistic visual appearance and tactility for the trunk and branches of an artificial holiday tree described in the foregoing were principally directed to artificial Christmas tree implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to any vertical members with unsightly components that would be visually enhanced with a realistic looking exterior, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. Further, as manufacturing processes evolve, additional embodiments of the design and implementations of the plant exterior simulating assembly may change to match the new technologies. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plant exterior simulating assembly comprising: a core portion, said core portion being configured to be at least partially covered by said plant exterior simulating assembly; a molding portion, said molding portion being configured to engage said core portion, said molding portion comprising a slit, said slit being configured to allows said core portion to at least partially pass through a radial length of said molding portion, said slit being disposed to extend along a longitudinal axis of said molding portion; and an exterior portion, said exterior portion being configured to at least partially cover said molding portion, said exterior portion comprising a mounting surface, said mounting surface being configured to engage said molding portion, said exterior portion further comprising an exterior design, said exterior design comprising a visible surface, said visible surface being configured to provide an exterior visibility of said plant exterior simulating assembly.
 2. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 1, in which said core portion comprises an artificial plant.
 3. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 2, in which said artificial plant comprises a holiday tree.
 4. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 3, in which said core portion further comprises at least one holiday decorative member.
 5. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 4, in which said plant exterior simulating assembly comprises a cylindrical shape.
 6. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 5, in which said plant exterior simulating assembly comprises two separate portions that join around said core portion.
 7. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 6, wherein said molding portion engages said core portion snugly.
 8. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 7, in which said molding portion comprises an adhesive, said adhesive being operable to join said molding portion with said core portion.
 9. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 8, wherein said slit is configured to pass through a radial length of said molding portion.
 10. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 9, wherein said slit is disposed to extends along a longitudinal axis of said molding portion.
 11. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 10, wherein said slit is configured to be inwardly directed towards said core portion.
 12. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 11, in which said slit comprises at least one fastener to secure around said core portion.
 13. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 12, in which said mounting surface comprises an adhesive, said adhesive being operable to join said mounting surface with said molding portion.
 14. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 13, wherein said molding portion comprises an insecticide.
 15. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 14, in which said visible surface comprises tree bark.
 16. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 15, wherein said plant exterior simulating assembly is operable to provide a stand for said core.
 17. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 16, wherein said stand comprises a multiplicity of feet that extend from a lower perimeter of said plant exterior simulating assembly.
 18. The plant exterior simulating assembly of claim 17, in which said plant exterior simulating assembly comprises a scent associated with the holidays.
 19. A method of encapsulating a plant with a plant exterior simulating assembly comprising: means for erecting a core portion; means for joining two portions of said plant exterior simulating assembly around said core portion; means for engaging a molding portion with said core portion; means for fastening said plant exterior simulating assembly to said core portion; and means for creating a realistic visual appearance and a tactility of a real tree.
 20. A plant exterior simulating assembly consisting of: a core portion, said core portion being configured to be at least partially coverd by said plant exterior simulating assembly, said core portion comprising a holiday tree; a molding portion, said molding portion being configured to engage said core portion snugly, said molding portion comprising an adhesive, said adhesive being operable to join said molding portion with said core portion, said molding portion further comprising a slit, said slit being configured to allows said core portion to at least partially pass through a radial length of said molding portion, said slit being disposed to extend along the longitudinal axis of said molding portion, said slit comprising at least one fastener, said at least one fastener being operable to secure said plant exterior simulating assembly around said core portion; and an exterior portion, said exterior portion being configured to cover said molding portion, said exterior portion comprising a mounting surface, said mounting surface being configured to engage said molding portion, said exterior portion further comprising an exterior design, said exterior design comprising a visible surface, said visible surface being configured to provide the exterior visibility of said plant exterior simulating assembly, said visible surface comprising tree bark. 